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cultivate a beautiful life

October 22, 2015

Vampy Vixen – The Makeup Mix-Up

October 22, 2015

Playing with makeup is great fun for me, but I tend to do the same thing over and over. I’m definitely stuck in a makeup rut. So I thought I would join in on the Makeup Mix-Up with Making Mrs. M and Miranda Writes. This week’s challenge: Vampy Vixen.

Vampy Vixen Makeup for the Makeup Mix-Up challenge using Urban Decay Naked 3 and Urband Decay Smoked palette | Gardening In High Heels

Now I’m not one for dramatic smoky eyes every day. I typically wear the same two styles: one all-over shadow or a simple smoke for daytime with purples/golds. So to jump in with this on Vampy Vixen is kinda like, “If I’m going to do this, I’m going to go balls to the wall.”

When I think Vixen, I think a strong cat-eye, lots of lashes, and bold lips. But when you throw in “vampy,” well, you gotta kick it up a little. When you do a Pinterest search for “vampy makeup,” it’s all dark, smoky eyes and blood red lips. That’s where I first went with this, but then I decided to do things a little differently.

To me, a vixen carries her power in her eyes. If looks could kill, you’d have already died. So I really wanted to focus on the eyes and bringing a lot of drama with a smudged out smoky cat eye.

True story, I had an entirely different look planned out, but it ended up being too dark. I need to have a little brightness to get the power in my eyes to stand out, so instead of dark all the way up to the lashes, I focused some gold on the inner corner and really smoked out the corners.

Vampy Vixen Makeup for the Makeup Mix-Up challenge using Urban Decay Naked 3 and Urband Decay Smoked palette | Gardening In High HeelsVampy Vixen Makeup for the Makeup Mix-Up challenge using Urban Decay Naked 3 and Urband Decay Smoked palette | Gardening In High Heels

Talk about if looks could kill…I’m throwin’ some serious shade here.

Vampy Vixen Makeup for the Makeup Mix-Up challenge using Urban Decay Naked 3 and Urband Decay Smoked palette | Gardening In High Heels

Vampy Vixen Makeup for the Makeup Mix-Up challenge using Urban Decay Naked 3 and Urband Decay Smoked palette | Gardening In High Heels

Products used:

  • Urban Decay Naked 3 / Smoked palettes
  • Pop Cat Eyes in Black Dahlia
  • Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Pencil in Uzi
  • Maybelline Color Tattoo 24 Hour Metal in Barely Branded
  • ColourPop Lippie Pencil in Tootsi
  • Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm in 215 Shameless
  • Urban Decay Naked Skin
  • MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Light Year

What does “vampy vixen” makeup mean to you?

Next week’s look for the Makeup Mix-Up is Halloween Tease. I have no idea where to even begin with that. Any suggestions?

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15 Comments · Labels: Makeup & Beauty Tagged: link up, makeup, makeup mix up, vampy makeup

September 15, 2015

Creative Closet: Jewels and Jewel Tones

September 15, 2015

Summer is my season.  The light fabrics, brighter colors, and all-around more carefree feel is fantastic.  That said, there’s something about the golden light of fall that’s so beautiful.  I love the jewel tones that come out in the fall.  It isn’t the dark black and endless gray of winter, but it isn’t the in-your-face punch of color of summer.

It also is the perfect time to bust out cranberry-matte lips and leather.  I feel like my most bad-ass self in the fall.

So I figured today’s Creative Closet prompt is a perfect time to come out of outfit-sharing hibernation.

Leather jacket, vampy lipstick, and jewel tones for fall.

Leather jacket: No.14 Boutique (during the #StylishPittsburgh event!)
Lips: Dazed by ColourPop
Top: Mossimo @ Target
Jeans: American Eagle
Sneakers: Converse

Love matte cranberry lips for fall! | Gardening In High Heels

Jewel tones and red lips for fall | Gardening In High Heels

Nothing compliments jewel tones quite like some jewels.  You know my favorite way to dress up an outfit is to add a little sparkle.  And damn is this ring sparkly.

Anjolee anniversary eternity band | Gardening In High Heels

I’ve been looking for a great eternity band to wear and I love this ring from Anjolee.  Their anniversary rings are stunning and super comfortable, even though the U setting has some height to it.  And this is just further proof that you don’t need to wait around for someone to buy you something shiny – go out and get it yourself.

Anjolee anniversary eternity band | Gardening In High Heels

Although if you need to give someone a little push…go ahead and bookmark the shiz out of that page.

I love the amethyst pop to contrast with the emerald shirt.  It isn’t an obvious pop, but it’s enough of a statement that I don’t really wear other jewels when I have this ring on.

I also can’t get enough of this lipstick.  It’s my first ColourPop Lippie Stix shade and I looooove it.  Like, “I want to wear this even when I’m just hanging out around the house” love it.

Statement eternity band by Anjolee, jewel tones, and red lips..fall perfection! | Gardening In High Heels

Truly embracing my inner rebel with this outfit.

How do you add some fall into your outfits?  Any other lovers of jewel tones?

This post was sponsored by Anjolee. Their jewelry is gorgeous and I couldn’t resist spreading the word about them! Thank you for supporting the brands that support GIHH.

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10 Comments · Labels: Outfits Tagged: accessories, anjolee, colourpop, fall outfit, jewel tones, jewelry, lippie stix

June 22, 2015

Summer-izing makeup

June 22, 2015

It is officially summer.  That means it’s time to summer-ize the ol’ makeup routine.  Usually I wait until it’s too late and I’ve already broken out more times than I can count from not lightening up for summer, but not this year!  I’m only mildly in troubled skin water.  I think it’s due to my massive love of face masks and Rodan + Fields products when I need to perk up my complexion.

Anyway.

I fully believe summer is the time to go lighter.

I’m looking forward to wearing very little makeup except for lashes and lips.  Let’s face it, those are the only products that don’t entirely melt off my face in humidity despite priming underneath like I’m painting over a dark wall with a light color.

No matter what I end up putting on my face for the day, it all starts with SPF.  I have a few different day moisturizers depending on what I feel like, but I always put on something with SPF.

Summer makeup must-haves that hold up to the heat and humidity.

Now that the SPF PSA is over, some other things that I always have in my arsenal in the summer includes:

Primer for eyes + face

Even if I’m just putting on concealer, I always put some primer on my face and around my eyes.  Gotta give everything a fighting chance to stick around, right?  Right now I’m using samples of Smashbox face primer and Lorac Behind the Scenes eye primer.

Waterproof eyeliner and mascara

Let’s be real, most days I wonder why I even bother with eye shadow because within about an hour of being out of the house, it’s breaking down already.  Typically I’ll do a wash of a gold or copper and focus on eyeliner and mascara.  Use liquid or gel liner because it has the most staying power.

Sometimes I’ll try to be fancy and put on a colored liner for some fun, but when I have to get out the door, it’s a quick cat-eye look.

Eyeliner and mascara you need this summer.

Mary Kay Liquid Eyeliner for a dark black line.  NYC New York Color Big Bold & Precice Eyeliner.  I know they say it’s bold, but I don’t think it’s as intense as some other black liquid liners.

And for lashes, it has to be Covergirl Clump Crusher, especially on the lower lashes.  I used to get smudges under my eyes with anything I put on, but this is the cat’s pajamas.  NYC Big Bold Angel Lashes Mascara has been a nice surprise.  It very rarely will it transfer.

Bright, statement-making lipstick

Classic glamour in a red or orange-y red.  Fun with a bright pink punch.  Daring with an orange.  I’m not afraid of color on my lips.  I welcome it.

Bright lipsticks that are perfect for summer.

Almay Smart Shade Butter Kiss in Pink Medium, Laqa & Co Lil’ Lip in Ring of Fire, MAC lipstick in Sail La Vie (LE, I’ve heard Revlon Vibrant Mandarin and Wet n Wild Purty Persimmon are close).

Light-coverage powder

I haaaate feeling like I have a ton of dirt on my face in the summer.  Let’s face it, with the humidity and the sweat and the wind whipping up things…there’s a lot of dirt stuck to our faces.  Enter: light coverage powder.  Anything that will blur imperfections but not add the feeling of “stuff” on my skin is just the ticket.

Lightweight summer face products that every girl needs to have.

I love MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural (I’m Light Plus when not super-duper tan which I haven’t been since..college?)  I’m also experimenting with Laura Geller Balance n Brighten.

Light reflecting powder

I know, I said I wasn’t putting a lot on my face, but light reflecting powder or some other highlighter is necessary to brighten under the eyes and add a little lightness to the face.

Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder is what I’ve been using for years (almost daily) and I still am not done with the pot that I have.  One of the best beauty investments.  I also light Hourglass Ambient Lighting powders.  I have the palette that came out and it adds a little extra glow.

Blotting sheets

You know that 2pm skin feeling?  The one where you’re like…ugh I am a shiny hot mess and I just want to wash my face?  That’s why I keep some blotting sheets around.  Coffee filters work in a pinch.  So do napkins.  Just anything to get that shine and oil off of my face (and out of harm’s way of developing breakouts).

I’ve always carried Mary Kay Beauty Blotters with me and I instantly feel more presentable when I use them.

Summer makeup must-haves that hold up to the heat and humidity.

What is in your summer beauty arsenal?

Be a Better Blogger is a weekly link up dedicated to helping you be a more intentional blogger. Want to be a better blogger but don’t know where to start? Head over to the Be a Better Blogger page for daily prompts and a weekly linkup to help get the creative juices flowing! Oh, and use #beabetterblogger on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook to keep the fun going even after you hit Publish!

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8 Comments · Labels: Makeup & Beauty Tagged: almay, be a better blogger, beauty, beauty products, covergirl, laura geller, laura mercier, MAC cosmetics, makeup, makeup monday, mary kay, nyc new york color, summer

June 9, 2015

Blogger. Maker. Mover. Shaker.

June 9, 2015

There are sooo many things I want to say today and sooo little time.  I don’t want you guys scrolling forever, but I am so in love with this shirt I’m wearing today and I couldn’t narrow down the photos.  And I have a Project:Food Budget update/recap of what I spent last week.

Out of all of the jobs I’ve had, blogger is one of my favorites.  It’s probably tied for my Yelp internship in terms of fun-ness.  I mean, I get to talk about whatever I want, take cool pictures, have a community of great people.  And I get to meet some awesome people.

Handmade Escapade 'Blogger, Maker, Mover, Shaker' tank. So stinkin' cute!

One of these awesome people makes this awesome shirt.

Can I just gush about it for a hot minute?  When Katy texted me a picture of it, I seriously had to have it.

One, I am totally a blogger, a maker, a mover, and a shaker.  At least, I try to shake it.  My TSwizzle moves need a little help (see picture below).  And I could use a little reminder to shake things up.

Two, it is so freakin’ cute!

Handmade Escapade 'Blogger, Maker, Mover, Shaker' tank. So stinkin' cute!Blogger, Maker, Mover, Shaker Tank: Handmade Escapade (gifted)
Trucker Hat: Handmade Escapade
Polka Dot Skirt: Forever 21
Black Shorts: American Eagle
Cuffs: Studebaker Metals
Choker Necklace: old and not from Rocksbox
Diamond Gold Necklace and Blue Earrings: Rocksbox

Handmade Escapade 'Blogger, Maker, Mover, Shaker' tank. So stinkin' cute!

Handmade Escapade 'Blogger, Maker, Mover, Shaker' tank. So stinkin' cute!

HE Blogger Shirt 4

So then I got my hands on it and was even more in love with it.  It’s insanely comfortable, the font and spacing is just right, and the color is a gorgeous, summer-sky blue.

There are other colors, too, of course.  I had to restrain myself from getting it in gray.  Everything I own is gray.  Then I looked in my closet and was like, “Damn I have a lot of blue, too,” so this tank fits right in.

I love the tank version of this because the shoulders are nice and wide and the body is long and doesn’t ride up.  I know Katy makes sure of that in her designs.

Handmade Escapade Fancy Trucker Hat - girly and edgy and I love it!

Handmade Escapade Fancy Trucker Hat - girly and edgy and I love it!

And how awesome is this hat with the shirt?  Katy also makes these rad hats.  I’m not a hat person, but I just had to have this.

My rocksbox was in and also perfectly coordinated with the blue.

Handmade Escapade 'Blogger, Maker, Mover, Shaker' tank. So stinkin' cute!

Rocksbox accessories

Y’all know I love wearing accessories to fancy things up, so this is something I’d definitely wear out to a fun event in Pittsburgh (or a blogging conference, if you know of any coming up…)  I knew it would be perfect to wear in all different ways, casual or a little fancier.

What’s the most worn color in your closet?

Linking up with Life Could Be A Dream and The Modern Tulip for The Creative Closet.

Many thanks to Katy, who gifted me this shirt in exchange for some air time on my blog.  Girl, I was already gonna talk about it before you asked me to!  It’s awesome and y’all need this shirt!


 

Sticking to a food budget is hard, but I love the accountability with Project:Food BudgetLast week, I spent a total of $40.81 at Giant Eagle.  I always look for the in-store specials, use in-store and manufacturer coupons when I can, and I buy things on sale and freeze them.  I have such a bad problem with that, though, because I always worry that my freezer will run low and then I’ll have to buy regular-price chicken breasts.  Oh the horror!

I ended up with a lot of produce and dairy – enough to fill 75% of my shopping bags.  The other bag had some canned tuna, coconut oil, and Goldfish crackers – I love them for lunch snacks.

I did allow myself a splurge item at Target and it is S’more Oreos.  I couldn’t help it and got two packages..

I know, if I’m going to be eating s’mores, I probably should actually make them myself and not have chemically processed s’more flavor in Oreo form, but dang-nabit they are amazing and I couldn’t help myself.

So my grand total for last week’s food spending is $46.79 – that is $3.21 under budget.

I have quite a bit of produce left over.  I didn’t touch my vidalia onion yet and I have most of my tomatoes, bananas, and onions left.

I have to do a better job at looking up recipes, making a thorough list of what I need, and prepping what I can ahead of time.  I’m really in a rut when it comes to dinner.  I come home and just make something simple like pasta with veggies and chicken or chicken sausage on autopilot.  Even tacos are a little too involved at times.

Oh and can we talk about how I couldn’t get cheese last week?  I grocery shop on Tuesday mornings because I don’t start work until later and hell if I’m spending time on Sunday morning in lines if I don’t have to.  Tuesdays are also when they choose to rip out and reorganize the cheese section.

I was about to start shopping from the carts piled with cheese they took out of the cases.  There goes taco night.  Tacos are worthless without cheese/something creamy to cut the spice.

I really want to venture to Trader Joe’s some time soon to compare prices on staple items.  I’m also very anxious for my garden to start producing so I can eat tomatoes and peppers that taste like tomatoes and peppers again.

And the zucchini bread I’ll make…and grilled zucchini with feta…and oh the delicious fresh food right from my back yard will be so amazing.

Check out these other budgeting babes and see how they did this week: Emily Levenson / McGinnis and Bean / Rainaldi.org / Red Pen Mama / Erra Creations / Eryn Says… / Seeking White Space / facepalmmama / Gardening in High Heels / Melissa Firman / Copy & Post / Rachel Olive Miller

Be a Better Blogger is a weekly link up dedicated to helping you be a more intentional blogger. Want to be a better blogger but don’t know where to start? Head over to the Be a Better Blogger page for daily prompts and a weekly linkup to help get the creative juices flowing! Oh, and use #beabetterblogger on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook to keep the fun going even after you hit Publish!

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19 Comments · Labels: Outfits Tagged: be a better blogger, blogger shirt, handmade escapade, project: food budget, the creative closet

June 8, 2015

Be Bold: NYC New York Color Big Bold Review

June 8, 2015

I’ve been trying to get up earlier in the morning to get a jump on the day.  I’m not sure how well it’s really working, but I love having more time to allow myself to transition into the day.  I don’t know about you, but I always end up running five minutes late when I think I have so much time.  Y’know, you think you have more time than you do and a situation were, “Oh I have so much time!” turns into, “Oh I hope there isn’t much traffic, I’m so late.”

So my morning routine has to be pretty quick and idiot-proof.  This includes makeup.

I was so excited when I heard that Influenster was sending me a #NYCBigBold voxbox.  I love how Katy made her box sound and I was running out of liquid eye liner – win win.

NYC New York Color Big Bold Mascara and Eyeliner Review -- such good stuff!

The lasting power on the Big Bold eyeliner and mascara is quite impressive.  Trust me, I’ve been putting it through its paces.  Long days at work, lunchtime walks, the works.  I even wore it yesterday during the yard sale and only after I was sitting outside for 8 hours in heat and sweaty, swampy conditions did I notice a teeensy bit of flaking on the mascara and some creasing on the thicker part of the liner.  I almost expected raccoon eyes that would scare away the customers, but no raccoon eyes for this gal.

NYC New York Color Big Bold mascara and liquid eyeliner - must try!

I mean, I’m totally impressed with that, especially considering NYC isn’t one of the more expensive brands in the drugstore.  And we all know expensive makeup equals better makeup.  Totally.

The only thing I’m not a total fan of is the shape of the eyeliner applicator.  I’m used to a long, flexible applicator like L’Oreal Lineur Intense or Mary Kay liquid liner.

Fantastic liquid eye liner - L'Oreal, NYC New York Color, and Mary Kay. Love it all and they last sooo well!

 

what does totally rock about the eyeliner applicator, though, is that you really can get a super-thin, tight-to-the-lashes line for just a little definition in your look or you can really draw it on and make a bold statement.  I want this to come in other colors!

I’m really starting to see NYC makeup in a new light.  I would always buy their nail polish at Target when I was in high school because it was cheap and they have such a variety of colors, but I never tried the color cosmetics.  After the lipstick in the Frosty voxbox and this set of eye products, I’m almost at a full face with NYC and I’m super cool with that.

What’s your favorite summer-proof eyeliner and mascara?

Influenster sent me the #NYCBigBold VoxBox for review.  My opinion can’t be bought and it sure isn’t fake – these are my genuine feelings!

Be a Better Blogger is a weekly link up dedicated to helping you be a more intentional blogger. Want to be a better blogger but don’t know where to start? Head over to the Be a Better Blogger page for daily prompts and a weekly linkup to help get the creative juices flowing! Oh, and use #beabetterblogger on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook to keep the fun going even after you hit Publish!

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4 Comments · Labels: Makeup & Beauty, Weeds Tagged: eyeliner, makeup, makeup monday, mascara, nyc, nyc new your color

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Who’s Angelica?

Life Un-styled Blogger, Gardener, Shoe Lover..among other things

I'm here to encourage and empower you to grow where you're planted and embrace the weeds that sometimes pop up. I'll share inspiration, products I like (and you may too), and stories from the garden.

Gardening In High Heels is for badass babes who aren’t afraid to get a little messy. Want to learn more? Start here.
           

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